4 Republicans Vie for New Jersey Senate Nod Against Booker as His War Chest Tops $32 Million
Updated
Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Jun 2
4 Republicans Vie for New Jersey Senate Nod Against Booker as His War Chest Tops $32 Million
3 articles · Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Jun 2
Tuesday’s New Jersey GOP primary will decide which of four little-known Republicans faces Sen. Cory Booker in November, despite the party’s long odds in a heavily Democratic state.
Booker enters the race with more than $32 million on hand, Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 859,000, and New Jersey has not elected a Republican senator since 1972.
The candidates still argue they can compete by winning from roughly 2.4 million unaffiliated voters, stressing property taxes, healthcare and other quality-of-life issues while largely standing by President Donald Trump.
Trump remains a drag in the state — only 26% of New Jerseyans view him favorably — though Republicans cite his improved 2024 margins and speculation about Booker’s 2028 ambitions as possible openings.
Beyond picking a nominee, the contest will test how much local GOP endorsements matter after New Jersey abolished its county-line ballot system.